CAIRO: The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) called on Ismaili to hold their Egyptian Premier League match with Masri behind closed doors for safety and security reasons. The Dervishes hosts the Port Said side on Friday, and some EFA officials are worried that both teams fans could wreak havoc during the game. The refurbishments of Ismailia Stadium are still underway; therefore Ismaili would have to pick another venue for the clash to allow their supporters to attend. But Ismaili football director Ihab Galal reckons the coastal club has no time to make the necessary arrangements to change the pitch. I don t think we would be able to change the stadium now, so the game will most probably take place behind closed doors at Ismailia Stadium, the official told FilGoal.com. The police earlier ruled out the possibility of holding the game at the under-reconstruction stadium, where hooligans would find several tools that can be used as weapons. Galal revealed that Ismaili tried to reduce the match tickets to 6,000, but their suggestion was turned down. Without spectators, the police wouldn t have any reservations about the venue. The current season witnessed unpleasant clashes at the stands during and after some league games, which prompted high security procedures. Ismaili, who lies fourth with 38 points, are in a dire need to beat Masri in order to get back in contention for the league title.
